Cognitive Disabilities In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Steinbeck portrays those with cognitive disabilities to his audience in a way that makes them seem uncivilized often comparing them to animals. He demonstrates that despite good intentions, those with cognitive disabilities often make mistakes and are forced to live with the consequences. Lennie Small plays a major role in propelling the plot forward. Described as large man with extremely limited cognitive capabilities, he often makes mistakes which from which he has consequences. George, his friend, is always the person he relies on to bail him out of trouble. In the beginning of the novel, Lennie grabs onto a young woman’s dress because he enjoys petting soft things but she becomes flustered yelling “rape”. This leads to a man hunt for Lennie but he and George are able to escape and find a job on a ranch bucking barley. Once there, Lennie falls victim to the harassment of the owners son, Curley, who begins to beat on him. After George prompts him to fight back, Lennie crushes Curley’s hand. Later on, there is a litter of

Even with support from George, he was less than human. He had a mental capacity similar to an animal, this was portrayed in his descriptions where he was compared to a bear and when he acted like a dog and in the way that he habitually associated himself with other animals, the mice and puppies. Steinbeck’s portrayal of Lennie and his life additionally demonstrates that there is no mercy for anyone who cannot keep up with the rest of society. You must work to make money and be successful and you must understand and abide by the laws in order to be accepted into the world and lead a productive life. Anyone who is unable to do so will be conquered by natural selection. As a result of the limited abilities Lennie had, he was reduced to the same fate as an